Textile Artists

Born in 1930, Phyllis Ojibway is a 95-year-old boarding school survivor, seamstress, and educator from Naytahwaush, Minnesota, on the White Earth Reservation. Her life’s work is rooted in resilience, care, and the passing on of knowledge through both teaching and making. For decades, Phyllis has been recognized among Naytahwaush artists and Ojibway textile artists for her contributions to textile art, sewing clothing and quilts that reflect both necessity and beauty. Her quilts are more than functional objects—they are records of family history, survival, and care. Today, Phyllis’s work stands as a testament to the strength of Anishinaabe women and the quiet ways culture survives. Her quilts and garments continue to offer comfort, tell stories, and remind us that creativity is a form of resistance and healing.

Mary Turner is an amazing textile artist from Naytahwaush, known among Naytahwaush artists for her exceptional skills. She has been sewing and working with fabric her entire life. Mary says, "My art comes from a love of color and functionality. I love using bold colors and creating things folks can use. I feel honored and trusted to be asked to create regalia for all ages, reflecting the rich tradition of Ojibway textile artists."

Ann LaVoy, a lifelong resident of Naytahwaush, has dedicated her life to the education of the children of the White Earth Nation of Ojibwe. As one of the prominent Naytahwaush artists, her work in textile art is characterized by its beauty, meticulousness, detail, and vibrant colors, serving as a testament to her passion and dedication. Ann LaVoy also served on the Board of Education in Mahnomen for over 25 years, leaving an indelible mark on the community while inspiring future Ojibway textile artists.

I was born and raised in Naytahwaush, a place known for its talented Naytahwaush artists. I am now a retired school teacher living in the Roy Lake area. I taught students in Bagley and Pine Point. The first quilt I made was a hand-stitched crazy quilt that my grandma Swiers guided me through. My first sewing machine, which I ordered from the Sears and Roebuck catalog, weighed a ton! My mom taught me how to create baby star quilts, which are my favorite quilts to sew. This quilt reminds me of the Southwest, where my husband and I used to winter, and it reflects the influence of Ojibway textile artists and their beautiful textile art.

Melissa is an accomplished contemporary artist from the White Earth Nation, known for her expertise as a beadwork and jewelry designer, as well as her contributions to native fashion design. As one of the notable Naytahwaush artists, she creates a diverse range of original pieces across various artistic mediums, including textile art. You can find her work showcased at both regional and national exhibitions and shows. Melissa is also a proud recipient of the First People's Fund Community Spirit Award and the Service to Community Award for Outstanding Contributions, highlighting her significance among Ojibway textile artists.

Courtney Bunker is an Anishinaabe artist from the White Earth Nation, recognized among Naytahwaush artists for her unique contributions. Working across both traditional and contemporary mediums, her artistic practice is rooted in community, healing, and cultural continuity. She specializes in black ash basket weaving, birchbark basketry, jewelry, beadwork, quillwork, and regalia sewing, while also creating original digital artwork inspired by Ojibwe floral design. Courtney has spent years learning directly from elders on the reservation, such as Clyde Estey Jr., Shannon Burnette Sr., and Phyllis Bunker, and actively participates in cultural and ceremonial spaces. She approaches her work with deep respect for traditional knowledge and strives to make that knowledge accessible to others. Since 2016, she has offered free cultural classes throughout the community, frequently incorporating Ojibwemowin and emphasizing learning through listening, helping, and showing up in a good way. In addition to her traditional work, Courtney is a self-taught digital artist and the owner of Niibidoon LLC, where she creates original designs that appear on apparel, showcasing her talents as one of the prominent Ojibway textile artists. Courtney has also recently received her eminence credentials. Through her art and teaching, she is committed to uplifting her community, supporting those who are reconnecting, and ensuring that Anishinaabe culture remains living, shared, and thriving through various forms of textile art.

I was born and raised in the community of Naytahwaush, a place known for its talented Naytahwaush artists, on the White Earth Reservation. I'm a former elementary teacher who taught at Pine Point and Waubun-Ogema-White Earth schools. From a young age, I learned how to sew from my mother and grandmother, which has led me to become one of the Ojibway textile artists in our community. My first beading project was a daisy chain that I learned from Ms. Lafriniere while attending school in Naytahwaush. I enjoy beading and sewing, creating textile art in my leisure time.